Mother of Trayvon Martin Delivers Poignant Message at KSU

The K-State Student Union Ballroom was bursting with people Tuesday who came to hear Sybrina Fulton speak about her son Trayvon Martin’s untimely death in February 2012.

“I cannot stand here and tell you that there is one reason for what happened to Trayvon. There Isn’t,” Fulton said.

The 17-year-old, Florida teenager was fatally shot as a result of a violent encounter with George Zimmerman, a neighborhood watch volunteer. The incident provoked a national debate which has many divided on the issue of racial profiling and the legitimacy of Florida’s “Stand Your Ground” law.

“This law does not benefit anyone,” Fulton said. “It gives people a right to shoot and kill and ask questions later. The law started in Florida, and I believe the law will end in Florida.”

Despite the fact that her son tragically lost his life to gun violence, Fulton said she isn’t against guns or people who own them.

“I’m all for people protecting their property and protecting their family. I mean, we want to protect ourselves as well, but it’s a different objective when you’re going out somewhere looking for trouble,” Fulton said.

Instead of harboring anger towards Zimmerman and the legal system, Fulton and Trayvon’s father, Tracy Martin, set up a Foundation in their son’s name to help others.

“We took a lot of those negative feelings, and we are doing something positive with the Trayvon Martin Foundation. We are helping other families who are confronted with senseless gun violence. We are making people aware of profiling,” Fulton said.

Fulton’s visit was sponsored by K-State’s Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity chapter as part of the historically black fraternity’s annual weeklong celebration. It was also sponsored by the Student Governing Association.